Eastern Phoebe
Sayornis phoebe · Tyrant Flycatchers and Allies
The Eastern Phoebe is a familiar songbird known for its plain appearance and distinctive tail-wagging behavior. As one of the earliest migrants to return in spring, its raspy "phoebe" call is a welcome sound. These adaptable flycatchers often nest near human structures, making them a common sight in many areas.
Explore the full field guideMigratoryMedium-sizedFee-bee songInsectivorous
1 call·first heard Oct 17·last 10d ago
When it's heardpeak 6a · fall
5a12p9p
How to know it
- Dull grayish-brown on the back and whitish underneath, sometimes with a faint yellow wash on the belly in fresh fall plumage.
- Appears large for its body, often flat-topped but can be raised into a slight peak. The head is typically the darkest part of its upperparts.
- Medium-length and often flicked upward or pumped up and down while perched.
- Short, thin, and black, adapted for catching insects in flight.